Mushroom foraging has gained popularity in recent years, as individuals seek to reconnect with nature and explore the rich diversity of fungi. With more people venturing into the woods to collect wild mushrooms, it’s essential to educate students on the different types of poisonous mushrooms and how to avoid them. This article aims to help teachers and educators provide information on the most common poisonous mushrooms, how to identify them, and how to stay safe while foraging.
Amanita phalloides – The Death Cap
Arguably the most infamous poisonous mushroom, Amanita phalloides or the Death Cap closely resembles some edible species such as Agaricus campestris (the common field mushroom). However, eating even a small amount can lead to severe liver and kidney damage or even death. Teach your students that this mushroom has a distinctive greenish cap with white gills underneath and a white stem with a ring-like structure called an annulus.
Amanita virosa – The Destroying Angel
Another deadly Amanita species is Amanita virosa or the Destroying Angel. This mushroom is entirely white, with a smooth cap and a white stem with an annulus. Consumption can cause severe abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and ultimately organ failure if not treated promptly. Emphasize that any all-white mushroom should be treated with extreme caution.
Galerina marginata – The Deadly Galerina
This small yet deadly mushroom is commonly found on dead or decaying wood in forests across North America and Europe. It has a brownish cap with striations near the edge and rusty-brown gills underneath. Ingestion can lead to liver failure and death within several days if not treated immediately. Remind students always to be cautious when foraging near deadwood.
Gyromitra esculenta – The False Morel
The False Morel resembles the prized edible morel mushrooms but is highly toxic. Its brain-like appearance, with a convoluted cap and tightly packed lobes, sets it apart from the true morels. False morels contain a toxin called gyromitrin, which can lead to severe poisoning, including symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and potentially death. Teach students how to distinguish between true and false morels to avoid potentially life-threatening mistakes.
Omphalotus olearius – The Jack-o’-Lantern Mushroom
This bright orange mushroom can be mistaken for the edible chanterelle. However, consumption of the Jack-o’-Lantern mushroom results in gastrointestinal upset and cramps. Guide students on how to differentiate between these two mushrooms by focusing on the gills: Omphalotus olearius has deep and sharp gills, whereas chanterelles have shallow, blunt ridges on their undersides.
